Development of Soft Robotic Colonoscope for Non-invasive Diagnostic and Therapeutic Colonoscopy

Dr Kwok, Ka Wai   (Project Coordinator (PC))

Professor Law Wai Lun   (Co-Investigator)

Mr Cheung Chim Lee   (Co-Investigator)

Mr Leong Chun Wing Martin   (Co-Investigator)

Dr Yeung Chung Kwong   (Co-Investigator)

Mr Chow Chun Kit Marco   (Co-Investigator)

Mr. LUN Tian Le Tim   (Co-Investigator)

Professor Lam James   (Co-Investigator)

Professor Sze Kam Yim   (Co-Investigator)

12

2016-05-23

3271140

Development of Soft Robotic Colonoscope for Non-invasive Diagnostic and Therapeutic Colonoscopy

for Non-invasive Diagnostic, Soft Robotic Colonoscope, Therapeutic Colonoscopy

Others - Mechanical, Production and Industrial Engineering

Engineering (E)

ITS/361/15FX

Innovation and Technology Support Programme (Tier 2)

2015

Completed

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and is also the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Conventional colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal screening; however, it suffers from several disadvantages in terms of its invasiveness, procedural related risks such as colon perforation and bleeding, heavy sedation and analgesic requirements and the risk of cross infection. We propose a miniatured soft robotic, painless colonoscopy system for the 'next generation' non-invasive colonoscopy procedures. Key technologies of the system include: i) A pneumatic/hydraulic-driven soft elastomeric active bending mechanism that allows omni-directional steering of the tip towards areas of interest while performing the procedure; ii) A novel anchoring mechanism to enable precise orientation and navigation of colonoscope; iii) An innovative double-tube trailing tail that facilitates straightening of the large bowel to avoid looping of the system inside the colon, thereby enabling rapid locomotion of the device through the complex contours of the colon; and iv) A disposable probe,thereby eliminating the risk of disease transmission and avoiding the need for expensive cleaning and sterilization This revolutionary, proprietary device is designed to introduce a new paradigm for non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy. Benefits to the patients include minimal procedure-related risks, fast and sedation-free procedure, and significantly lower hospital expenses.